Live Music

Indy Contra ALWAYS has live music, and a caller who teaches and prompts the dances. Musical styles vary widely, and include Folk, Celtic, New England, Old Time, Québécois, and Scottish, as well as jazz, rock, or international influences. You can also catch an Electro Contra for a taste of non-traditional contra dance music.

This page is eternally under construction as we receive updated info from our bands & callers. (If you’re not here but should be, please send photo, link, and desired description info to indycontra@gmail.com.)

Regular bands & callers include:

BobDuffy

Caller

Bob is a long time Indy & Bloomington caller. Outside of contra, Bob spends his time building pipe organs and harpsichords.

Emily AnnThompson

Band

Emily plays traditional Irish, Scottish, and Canadian tunes, sings in Irish Gaelic, and often adds piano, Irish dance, and foot percussion. Her husband Kelly joins her on guitar, percussion, and vocals.

Troika

Band

Troika (meaning “trio” in Russian) combines the diverse sounds of Ireland, Old Time America, Eastern and Southern Europe, the Cajun South and more for a truly eclectic dance experience. From a lilting Irish jig to a driving French Canadian reel to a sultry Romanian khusidl, you never know what Troika will deliver next. Featuring Sarah Skreko (fiddle), Mario Joven (guitar), and Dianna Davis (clarinet, accordion, foot percussion).

Convolution

Band

Dianna Davis and Ben Smith, with friends (who vary from time to time).

KenGall

Caller

Ken has been dancing for over 20 years. In the last 5 years he has called extensively throughout the Midwest and beyond.